5th Night - Motorcycle across america

Met a guy from France today. His plan is to buy an old Honda motorcycle and drive across America to the west coast. Not a bad idea....

4th Night - Gregor

When I gave one of my friends the address where I currently reside, her response was, "that's not the ghetto". She's right, it's not. But I did pull open the silverware drawer today to be greeted by a roach. It was one of those tough guy roaches - looks like they had been working out or something. I mean, he scattered from the light, but I felt like he would've fought me if push came to shove.

It was a bit unsettling because I needed a fork to eat my Chipolte with. I've decided to name the roach "Gregor". I recall a story titled "metamorphosis" in which the main character turned into a roach. That's about as much as I know about the story. But my hope is that by naming the roach it will personify it with such charm that will help me not throw up my dinner.

With regards to the ghetto, there were some places I looked at in Ybor that were laughably wretched. One place literally had boarded windows, and no walls (it had been stripped to the frame/studs). The owner was friendly and I'm sure I would've managed. I guess there is a part of me that likes to live at a basic level.

Tomorrow I'm going running with folks that also like to live at a basic level. I just realized why that makes sense now.

3rd Night - REC STUD

The hostel has been great so far. I haven't been around much during the day due to work and school - so most of my time here has been for sleep. My room is in what used to be a makeshift recording studio. I pulled out the top drawer of the dresser and there were 4 drumsticks rolling around - always good to have a few of those nearby. There is also a broken guitar, some drum heads, speakers, and a bowling pin for decoration. The plastic tag on my room key has "REC STUD" scratched into it.

My bed is where the mixer used to be and in arguably the dingier part of the space I inhabit. It's not bad, but I feel that if there were rodents or bugpests that is the same area they would also bunk down in. There is a futon in the main part of the room and I think I'll give that a try tonight. A smaller closed off section opposite the mixer room used to house the drum set.

I told the manager I played horn and he said I should sit in on the live music they have on Saturday nights. There are a few miscellaneous community instruments hanging around the hostel that any guest is welcome to play.

Overall the place seems quiet - with only a few guests each night. From what I understand the weekends are usually busier when people come and stay for the music.

1st night

My search for a place to live in Ybor for the summer landed me in a hostel a few miles away (from Centro Ybor). It's called Gram's Place (http://www.grams-inn-tampa.com/). The plan is to stay here through the summer until I graduate in August.

The hostel is an old house with heaps of character. If you've ever been to Satchel's in Gainesville, FL (http://www.satchelspizza.com/) it's kinda like that but you can crash for the night. Among the illustrious amenities are an outdoor shower, outdoor toilet, two decks, a jacuzzi, a cat, and live music on the weekends. The people staying here tonight are:

Marshall (New Orelans) - looking for work in the marine industry
Janet (Vancouver) - B&B owner from canada on holiday visiting her family
Jason (Germany) - backpacking through FL

The manager, Bruce, is great. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to reside here for a while.